Simple Turkey Chili Verde Recipe

If you’re looking for a bowl of pure comfort that won’t weigh you down, you have officially found it! This Simple Turkey Chili Verde is a total game-changer for those nights when you want something cozy, vibrant, and packed with zest. Unlike traditional heavy beef chilis, this version is light, bright, and uses a secret weapon—salsa verde—to get that incredible depth of flavor in half the time. Trust me, you’re going to love how the tangy tomatillos play off the savory turkey. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like a dream and leaves everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy salsa verde and earthy cumin creates a savory, zesty profile that is way more exciting than your average chili.
• Healthy & Hearty: Lean ground turkey and fiber-packed white beans make this a guilt-free powerhouse that actually keeps you full.
• One-Pot Magic: We love a recipe that doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes! Everything comes together in one pot for easy cleanup.
• Weeknight Friendly: From start to finish, you can have this nutritious masterpiece on the table in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather up these fresh ingredients to get started! Note: The full list of ingredients with measurements is located right under this article in the recipe card.

• Ground Turkey: Our lean protein base that soaks up all those delicious green chili flavors perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Just a touch to get our veggies softened and happy.
• Onion & Garlic: The aromatic duo that builds that essential savory foundation.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a nice crunch and a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
• Tomatillos: These give the chili its signature tang and a wonderful, authentic texture.
• Salsa Verde: The ultimate shortcut! It brings heat, acidity, and tons of herb flavor instantly.
• White Beans: Adds a creamy texture and plenty of healthy fiber; cannellini or Great Northern work great.
• Chicken Broth: This acts as the liquid base to keep everything juicy and stew-like.
• Cumin, Oregano, Coriander & Chili Powder: Our “fab four” spice blend that creates that warm, smoky, Mexican-inspired profile.
• Cilantro & Lime: The finishing touches! They add a burst of freshness and brightness right before you dive in.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in those chopped onions and sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Peppers

Stir in your minced garlic and green bell pepper. Let them cook for just about a minute until your kitchen starts smelling absolutely heavenly and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use your spoon to break it up into crumbles and cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Now for the fun part! Stir in the chopped tomatillos, salsa verde, and all those beautiful spices (cumin, oregano, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper). Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans, giving it all a good stir to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Let the Magic Happen

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down. Let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. This is where the flavors really get to know each other and the chili thickens up into perfection.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Give it a quick taste and add a little more salt or pepper if you like. Ladle it into big bowls and top with plenty of fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime for that final “wow” factor!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Bloom Your Spices: If you want even more flavor, stir the spices into the turkey for 30 seconds before adding the broth. The heat wakes up the oils in the spices!
• Texture Trick: If you like a thicker chili, take a potato masher and gently smash a few of the white beans directly in the pot. It makes the base ultra-creamy without adding dairy.
• Control the Heat: Depending on the brand of salsa verde you buy, the spice level can vary. Taste your salsa first so you know if you want to add a little extra chili powder or keep it mild.

How to Serve

This chili is a superstar on its own, but you can really level it up with these pairings:

• The Classic Toppings: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt (a healthy swap for sour cream), sliced radishes for crunch, or some creamy avocado.
• On the Side: Serve this with warm corn tortillas, a side of cilantro lime rice, or a big piece of honey cornbread to soak up every last drop.
• Crunch Factor: A handful of salty tortilla chips on top adds the perfect texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chili is one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This recipe is very freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat your chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe and has a very similar lean profile. The cooking steps remain exactly the same, so feel free to swap based on what’s in your fridge.

What if I can’t find fresh tomatillos? Don’t sweat it! If fresh tomatillos aren’t available at your local market, you can simply add an extra half-cup of salsa verde or a small can of diced green chiles to keep that signature tang.

Is this chili spicy? As written, this is a relatively mild-to-medium chili. Most of the heat comes from your salsa verde, so if you want it extra spicy, look for a “hot” salsa or add some diced jalapeños during the sautéing step.

Can I make this in a Slow Cooker? You sure can! Brown the turkey and sauté the onions/garlic first, then toss everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours for a “set it and forget it” meal.